Depression in Teens is on the Rise

Columbia University School of Public Health and CUNY Graduate School report that from 2005 to 2015 depression rose among Americans age 12 through 18.

Drug use, suicides and overdoses have also increased.

The disparities are most common among those with the least access to health care. Although depression has increased there has been no increase in those seeking care for depression. Depression is one of the most treatable illnesses and is also the largest risk factor for suicide.

The researchers suggest more work needs to be done to determine the reason for the increase of depression in this age group.

Some recent research has also suggested that social networking sites may play a role in adolescent depression.